GE Oil & Gas introduced its next-generation technology for shearing and sealing wellbore tubulars at OTC 2012. The new Blind Shear Ram, designed for use in GE’s 183/4in ram BOPs, is claimed capable of both shearing and sealing after cutting 65/8in tool joints.
The patent-pending technology is designed to eliminate non-shearable sections and allows customers to use current BOP stack arrangements without having to manage the spacing between rams or create operational methods to avoid 65/8in tool joints.
According to GE Oil & Gas, the shearing capability was confirmed during testing witnessed by representatives from several leading oil companies. The rams were successfully tested to 15,000psi after cutting the tool joint. Centralizing arms are designed to allow successful shearing of buckled or offset pipe, and modifications to the block and blade allow greater force to be applied without damage.
‘Our new Blind Shear Rams are designed to centralize, shear and seal after cutting tubulars up to and including 65/8in drill pipe tool joints in the BOP,’ said Sam Aquillano, the company’s VP, drilling and surface. ‘Previous offerings included a new casing shear ram that could cut but not seal 65/8in drill pipe tool joints.’
GE also introduced a new BOP stacking solution that allows rigs with two BOPs to use a lower marine rise package with either lower stack frame, enhancing operator flexibility. The new system also gives operators the option of having a fleet spare that can interface with other systems.